Epilepsy Travel Insurance
14/05/2025


Last Updated: 14 May 2025
Read time: 6 minutes
Written by: Lauren McAfee
Insurance Writer and Editor
Reviewed by: Mark McKeown
Written in line with our Editorial Guidelines
Epilepsy travel insurance offers coverage for the cost of receiving medical treatment for epilepsy related illness or injury while abroad. This cover is essential in destinations where you do not have your usual knowledge of local healthcare services or easy access to the facilities you need.
Can I get travel insurance for epilepsy?
Yes. Epilepsy is considered to be a pre-existing medical condition, so not all travel insurers will cover you. However, there are still many insurers who do offer cover to travellers who have been diagnosed with epilepsy.
How do I find travel insurance providers who cover epilepsy?
You will need to look for specialist travel insurance providers who cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Online comparison sites like ours can make this an easier and faster process. We give you a list of insurers specialising in travel policies that protect a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions, including holiday insurance for epileptics.
However, finding a provider is just one part of being properly insured. You will also need to be clear and transparent about your condition and provide details to the insurer.
How do I declare my epilepsy to a travel insurance provider?
When you find travel insurance that covers epilepsy, you will have to declare the details of your condition. This might be done through the insurer’s medical declaration form, or you might need to provide a letter from your doctor detailing your medical history. Each insurer is different, but you will generally have to answer:
- What type of seizures you experience, and their frequency.
- If you take or have taken prescribed medication for epilepsy in the past 2 years.
- What medication you take, and your dosage.
- If you have attended a medical surgery, hospital or clinic for issues related to epilepsy in the last 2 years.
- If you are travelling against the advice of a medical practitioner.
- If you are travelling to get medical treatment or advice.
- If you are currently undergoing tests or treatment for undiagnosed conditions.
- If you are currently on any waiting list that could cause you to cancel or delay your trip.
- If you have ever refused tests or medical investigations while diagnosed or undiagnosed.
Do I always need to declare epilepsy to travel insurers?
Yes, even if you have not had seizures in the past 2 years, you should still declare your diagnosis to an insurer. Doing this is essential to making sure you are really protected from the financial fallout of needing medical care in a foreign country.
When you don’t declare your epilepsy, you risk voiding your insurance policy completely. This means that claims can be rejected by the insurer, so you are essentially travelling without insurance.
What does epilepsy travel insurance cover?
Of course, getting comprehensive coverage for the cost of medical care while abroad will be a top priority when travelling with epilepsy. But this is not the only case where holiday insurance for epileptics could help out. These policies also commonly protect against:
1. Lost and stolen luggage
2. Travel delays or cancellations
3. Emergency repatriation to the UK
4. Personal accident cover for serious, life-impacting injury
5. Legal protection and support
6. Personal liability protection if you accidentally harm others
7. Optional extras and add-ons can also be added
How much is travel insurance if I have epilepsy?
Policy costs are tailored to you, the nature of your epilepsy, and your symptoms, among other factors. This is why insurers will ask you for this information before providing you with a quote. They use it to build your personal risk profile and set premiums that match this risk.
For example, insurers may view someone who suffers from tonic clonic seizures once every few months as a higher risk than someone who gets absence seizures and hasn’t had one in over a year.
Other factors that affect epilepsy insurance costs include:
Your age
Older travellers generally make more medical claims on travel insurance, even when they don’t have pre-existing conditions. This means older people generally pay more for insurance across the board.
Your destination
Your travel destination particularly impacts the cost of travel insurance for people with epilepsy. This is because medical care costs, facilities and regulations vary across different countries.
The length of your trip
The longer your trip, the more exposure you have to risks. Similarly, the cost of accommodation is naturally higher when you are travelling for longer, and this means more risk for the insurer.
The type of holiday you are taking
Certain holidays like skiing breaks, or cruises come with their own specific risks, and could need specialist coverage. If you plan to do any high-risk sports or activities like watersports, this could also increase costs.
The coverage and add-ons you choose
More coverage will naturally come at a higher price, so it’s best to be a little picky when it comes to additional coverage options.
The insurer you choose
Insurers all measure risk using their own systems, which is why you will be quoted different prices for the same cover. This can work in your favour when you shop around and compare policies to find cheap travel insurance for epilepsy before you buy.
Other considerations when travelling with epilepsy
Get advice from professionals
Speak to your doctor about any concerns you have or measures you can take to help your trip go smoothly.
Prescription needs
Have your prescription filled for the duration of the stay, and research any restrictions that you might face when bringing it into your destination country.
Research medical facilities where you are staying
Know the emergency contact number, where emergency services and pharmacies are, and how you can get there.
Remember your GHIC card
This offers an additional level of cover for emergency care in qualifying countries.
Get wearable identifiers
Medical ID bracelets or necklaces can help others to care for you when you are unable to communicate.
Inform the necessary people
This includes airlines, the people you are travelling with, or even the accommodation where you are staying. Having people around who understand how best to help in the event of a seizure can help minimise harm and speed up access to further medical care when it’s needed.